Actor Park Ji-hoon Shares Insights on Portraying Tragic King Danjong in 'The Man Who Lives with the King'

Actor Park Ji-hoon has opened up about his experience playing the ill-fated 6th King of Joseon, Danjong.

On the 27th, Park Ji-hoon, the lead actor of the film 'The Man Who Lives with the King,' was interviewed at a café in Samcheong-dong, Seoul.

'The Man Who Lives with the King' tells the story of a village chief who volunteers for exile to revive his village and a young former king who was dethroned and exiled in 1457 Cheongnyeongpo. Park Ji-hoon takes on the role of the tragic King Danjong, who ascended to the throne at a young age but was ultimately deposed.

Recalling the moment he was first offered the role of Danjong, Park Ji-hoon candidly expressed his initial fears. He said, "When I received the offer, I was honestly scared," adding, "I felt a heavy burden wondering if I could truly understand and portray the emotions of the real-life tragic King Danjong." He continued, "The weight of expressing the emptiness and emotions he must have felt as his family was wiped out was immense."

Park Ji-hoon revealed that he had several meetings with director Jang Hang-jun, whose encouragement led him to accept the role. He shared, "I met with the director three or four times, and during the fourth meeting, he said, 'Danjong has to be you, Ji-hoon.' That statement left the biggest impression on me." He added, "On my way home that day, I looked out the car window and had many thoughts. I began to feel a bit more confident, thinking maybe I could express this character's heart well. Trusting the director played a big part in my decision to take on the role."

Park Ji-hoon also discussed why director Jang Hang-jun cast him as Danjong. He speculated, "I think the influence of 'Weak Hero' was significant," explaining, "The director mentioned he cast me after seeing my eyes in 'Weak Hero.'" He further added, "I believe he saw my unique energy, which, while heavy, is not weak. I thought Danjong was also a character with strength within his fragility."

'The Man Who Lives with the King' is set to premiere on February 4th.

Reporter Kim Ji-won, Ten Asia bella@tenasia.co.kr